John P. Kotter's Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail is a
classic of business literature, and an example of high-level analysis
and evaluation.
In critical thinking, analysis is all about the sequence and features of
arguments. When combined with evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses
of an argument, it provides the perfect basis for understanding
corporate strategies and direction. Kotter applied these skills to his
own experiences of coaching large and small businesses through changes
aimed at improving their performance.
At its heart, Kotter's conclusion was simple: unsuccessful
transformations usually result from poor management decisions. His view
was that it was not enough for executives to have management skills.
Strong leadership is required, together with a clear process that can be
used by all kinds of companies and organizations, no matter what sector
they are operating in.
Looking at his own successes and failures alike, Kotter used his
analytical skills to understand the sequence and features of relevant
arguments before evaluating their strengths and distilling them down to
identify common mistakes managers make when they try to implement
change. This practical application of two core critical thinking skills
allowed him to develop an eight-stage model for successful
organizational transformation - a model still widely used twenty years
on.
